Solo performing artist. Teacher. Recording artist. Composer. Arranger.
All of these titles and more describe Shane Cammell, accomplished solo guitarist. With over 32 years of playing the instrument to his credit, and more than 15 of those spent teaching full time, Shane knows the guitar.
As a performance artist, his style ranges from classical (his training) to fingerstyle (imagine a pianist but with a guitar - the guitar "sings" each song he plays, complete with bass line and rhythm), to rock/pop (Beatles, Sting, Jack Johnson, etc.), to jazz standards (Summertime, Blue Moon) and old favorites (Somewhere Over the Rainbow, When Irish Eyes Are Smiling, Amazing Grace, etc.). He has performed on cruise ships (Princess and Norwegian lines), in concerts, festivals, weddings, parties, fundraisers, markets, cafes, restaurants, and more. With just his guitar and amplifier, he can easily adapt to a variety of venues to create the perfect sound for the perfect event.
As a teacher, Shane brings not only his talent and experience to bear, but also a love of learning and teaching others to reach their musical goals. His students describe him as "patient and personable", "flexible and understanding". Complete beginners, those with moderate experience, and even professional guitarists have all expanded their skills and repertoire under Shane's tutelage. Shane offers lessons in person or via webcam, with students in the U.S.A., New Zealand, South Africa and Australia.
Shane's recording efforts have produced three albums of eclectic cover tunes and classical melodies: 4ONLYU (2000), A Work in Progress (2001), and The Song Goes On (2004). He continues to compose original works and arrange popular music, and is planning to release another album by 2012. Currently, 4ONLYU is available for download (by single tracks or as a complete album) or on CD.
Shane was born and raised in Auckland, New Zealand. He traveled the world onboard cruise ships for several years, and lived in Japan for 18 months teaching English and performing as a solo guitarist in various venues around Tokyo. Having completed his Master of Music Therapy at the New Zealand School of Music (Wellington), he now resides with his wife and two sons in San Jose, California. Aside from his private teaching business and performances, Shane also teaches guitar at The King's University, LA (Modesto, CA campus), Simpson University (Redding, CA), Valley Christian Schools and Harker School (San Jose, CA).
